"My smile is wider. My eyes are brighter. It was a great offseason for me," Purdue's sophomore right tackle said.

Defensive tackles and ends won't care about Prince's smile or eyes, but the other elements are what will keep the native of Southlake, Texas, among the Boilermakers' top linemen during the 2014 season.

Prince exited spring practice No. 1 at his position and has maintained his play through the first three days of camp, despite the defensive line having the upper hand. More importantly, Prince's confidence remains high.

If you remember, he entered last year's Notre Dame game and was beaten badly on his first play, forcing an incomplete pass. The play lingered with Prince. It's served as motivation throughout spring practice.

"He will push himself mentally and physically to get better and have a better understanding of what he's trying to accomplish every play," Bridge said. "He's got his things he needs to work on. I don't think the young man has had a B in an academic class since he's been here. That tells you he has a capacity to learn.

"That's the biggest thing that stands out about him is the fact that when he sees something … you may get him the first time and you can't fool him the second time. He has to do things better physically but mentally he's right on the point. That's the half the battle."

Prince appeared in just four games last season, but Bridge sees his confidence growing. It should only increase with the number of practices remaining before the Aug. 30 opener against Western Michigan. The position is Prince's to lose since the coaching staff isn't rotating anyone else at right tackle with the No. 1 offense.

"What he's got, though, is a sense 'I can get it' which is that confidence," Bridge said. "But for a guy that's never played, he plays with a chip on his shoulder and a little swagger that understands you're not going to get me because I already have the answers to the questions."

Mentally, Prince may have that swagger. What about physically? Is he seeing an offensive line with a different attitude?

"I think everyone cares a lot. I think everyone is out to compete with the other guys," Prince said. "It's one of those things where there are a lot of positions open. You've got to be a little nasty and a little tougher every day to earn your spot."

Across the line, Bridge sees it.

"Unequivocally, yes," he said.

Quick hitters from Bridge:

• On junior college transfer Corey Clements, who's listed at 6-8, 400 pounds: "Right now he's learning and working to get himself in shape. When Corey is fresher, he moves very light and has some power to him. The further the practice goes on the more the tank gets a little empty. He gets a little slower. He's got initial quickness off the ball and he can cover people up. When he covers them up, they're covered up."

• On left tackle Jack BeBoef, currently the No. 1 left tackle: "There's not one person who appreciates the fact that people are trying and working hard. The most impressive thing is there's a willingness to get better from everybody, including Jack. No one is going to stand back and say that's OK. He's working hard in the meeting room, working hard studying, learning, getting better on videotape and carrying it over on the practice field."

• On center Robert Kugler: "Robert has a tremendous background. Robert's got to play stronger, Robert's got to play lower, Robert's got to play with more power. Robert is certainly headed in the right direction."

• Darrell Hazell said Wednesday guard Cameron Cermin will begin getting some work at left tackle.